How Solar Panels Work Simple

Constructing a solar panel.

How solar panels work simple.

Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units. Each solar panel contains photovoltaic pv cells. How do solar panels work. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century.

That s a technical way of saying that the panel s photovoltaic cells convert the energy in sunlight to electricity specifically direct current dc. A simple and easy to understand animation which explains how solar panels work. Solar panels can work for decades. Solar panels capture sunlight.

In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight. Simply put a solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity. Wind is actually a form of solar power. Animation created by signalfly www.

It is created by the uneven heating of the earth s surface. Put simply a solar cell works like this. A module is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a frame more commonly known as a solar panel which can then be grouped into larger solar. When several panels are connected together you have a solar array.

When it comes to solar panels the process can really be summed up in five basic steps. Now let s learn more about how solar panels work. How do solar panels work. A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.

The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are also called photovoltaic pv cells which as the name implies photo meaning light and voltaic meaning electricity convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight hits the solar panel pv cells. Some of the more expensive solar panel brands like sunpower have their own solution to the shading problem that can isolate individual cells which makes their panels much more tolerant to shade and work better in partial shade conditions. Inside a solar cell you have two wafer thin layers of silicon crystal placed on top of each other to make a sort of silicon sandwich.

Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. A solar panel works by allowing photons or particles of light to knock electrons free from atoms generating a flow of electricity according to live science. The solar cells are very delicate and need to be protected from the elements. Pv cells take light or photons and convert it to solar electricity.